Thailand’s National Security Council (NSC) today proposed to extend the state of emergency for another month, until June 30 to effectively curb COVID-19 pandemic in the kingdom.

As Thailand continues to record low numbers in new COVID-19 cases, NSC secretary-general Gen Somsak Rungsita said the measure is necessary to prevent a second wave of outbreak in the kingdom which has recorded 3,307 COVID-19 cases and 56 fatalities it first hit in January.

Somsak who chaired a meeting on easing COVID-19 restrictions and measures today said the committee recommended to extend the state of emergency which will be due on May 31 for another month.

“The COVID-19 situation in Thailand has improved, however, the situation across the globe remain a concern as the number of confirmed cases continues to increase.

“To prevent a second wave of COVID-19 outbreak, the third and fourth phase of easing restrictions and measures in June will better curb the pandemic,” he said at a press conference here today.

Somsak said Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan o-cha who will chair the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) meeting tomorrow to decide before forwarding to the cabinet for approval next Tuesday.

Thailand first declared a state of emergency from March 26 to April 30 and extended it to May 31 to combat COVID-19.

Thailand began its first phase of relaxation on May 3 in which six types of businesses and venues were reopened while the second phase started on May 17.